Trail Hansen Ridge Campground
4.4123 reviewsBureau of Land Management, Burns District Office, 28910 Hwy 20 W, Hines, OR 97738
Trail Hansen Ridge Campground
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees are $16 per vehicle per night for a single car, truck, or RV including any towed vehicle. Additional passenger vehicles are $5/night.
About this campground
Discover your perfect basecamp at Page Springs Campground, where 36 spacious sites await beneath a canopy of ancient cottonwoods and aromatic junipers. This hidden gem at the foot of majestic Steens Mountain offers more than just a place to pitch your tent—it's your gateway to adventure. Well-equipped with vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and convenient trash facilities, the campground serves as the starting point for two captivating trails: the scenic 4-mile Blitzen River Trail that follows the rushing waters through dramatic canyon landscapes, and the family-friendly 1-mile Wilderness Nature Trail, perfect for an evening stroll or morning bird watching expedition.
Page Springs Campground features roomy campsites under cottonwood and juniper trees, suitable for primitive, tent, and RV camping.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic seasons of Oregon's high desert at Page Springs, where each time of year paints a different masterpiece. Spring arrives with dramatic snowmelt cascading down from Steens Mountain, occasionally transforming lower campsites into temporary wetlands—nature's reminder of the powerful forces at work. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking, though savvy campers come prepared for the mosquito welcoming committee that thrives in the lush riparian zones. Autumn transforms the cottonwoods into a golden spectacle that photographers dream about, while winter's crisp temperatures and serene landscapes offer solitude for the hardy souls seeking peaceful contemplation.
ElevationWhile Page Springs sits comfortably in the foothills, the towering presence of Steens Mountain creates a dramatic backdrop that climbs through multiple life zones to reach its wind-swept summit at approximately 9,700 feet. This incredible elevation range creates a living laboratory of ecosystems, from the campground's riparian oasis to alpine tundra high above, offering visitors the rare opportunity to experience vastly different environments within a single day's adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a rare high desert oasis where towering cottonwoods create cathedral-like groves and ancient junipers perfume the air with their distinctive fragrance. The melodic waters of the Donner und Blitzen River—whose name means 'Thunder and Lightning' in German—create a vibrant ribbon of life through the otherwise arid landscape. This precious riparian corridor attracts an abundance of wildlife, from mule deer browsing at dawn to great blue herons stalking the shallows. Above it all, Steens Mountain rises like a geological giant, its flanks painted in ever-changing hues as light and shadow play across its ancient volcanic slopes.
Geological RegionPage Springs occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where the dramatic fault-block geology of Steens Mountain meets the life-giving waters of the Donner und Blitzen River. This unique setting showcases the raw power of tectonic forces that tilted massive blocks of ancient lava flows skyward, creating one of North America's largest fault-block mountains. The campground itself rests in a transition zone where hardy junipers of the sagebrush steppe give way to water-loving cottonwoods, creating a lush pocket of biodiversity in the vast high desert expanse. This remarkable confluence of geological drama and riparian abundance makes Page Springs a natural wonderland unlike anywhere else in the American West.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCampsites are generally flat, with some having a hard-packed gravel base, while others are coarse and loose, potentially challenging wheelchair mobility. The vault toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeCampsites are spacious, with some sites large enough for the largest RVs. "Very large campsites, good for large RVs," notes a reviewer.
Sites PrivacySites are well-spaced for privacy. "Our neighbor is 150 feet away, awesome," states a user. Another adds, "Nice spots separated from neighbors."
Total Campsites36 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors recommend sites with more shade for summer visits and areas with proximity to the river for wildlife viewing.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite numbers are not highlighted as superior.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No stay limits explicitly mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guest limits are not explicitly mentioned.
Groups
No designated group camping areas mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are spacious, mostly back-in configurations. "Each spot is spacious and are back in. It was the only campground we found in the area."
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations not accepted, but payment must be made at the on-site Scan-and-Pay kiosk.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment must be made after physically occupying the site.
Cancellation PolicyAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No refunds, modifications, or cancellations allowed under the Scan-and-Pay system.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
A wide range of activities are available at Page Springs Campground, including hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and wildlife viewing. "Fishing is just a short hike away," states one review. Hiking trails include the Blitzen River Trail and Wilderness Nature Trail.
Hiking
Two notable hiking trails start from the campground: the Blitzen River Trail (4 miles) and the Wilderness Nature Trail (1 mile loop). "Be sure to check out the trail on the south end of the campground," recommends one reviewer.Fishing
Fishing along the Donner and Blitzen River is available, with restrictions including catch-and-release only for rainbow trout and an 8-inch minimum length for Redband trout. "Fishing is just a short hike away!" exclaims one user.Biking
Good biking opportunities in nearby Malheur refuge roads and the Loop Road over Steens Mountain.Wildlife viewing
Excellent wildlife viewing, including deer, birds, and owls. "We saw an owl in a tree with two owlets," reports one reviewer.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly detailed, but reviews mention that the campground is under water during snow melt season, indicating seasonal accessibility challenges.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood must be brought or purchased at nearby resorts. Campfires are generally allowed unless active fire restrictions are in place.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsRattlesnakes are present in the area with sightings reported. Ticks and mosquitoes are frequent nuisances.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Frenchglen (~3 miles), with Burns (~63 miles) offering larger medical facilities. Visitors are advised to call (541) 573-4400 for facility-specific information.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is not explicitly mentioned.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans and recycling facilities are available on-site. "Garbage and recycling areas are well-maintained," notes a review.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the Donner und Blitzen River, providing opportunities for catch-and-release fishing.
Common complaintsMosquito infestation during summer months and credit card machine malfunctions at the payment kiosk were recurring complaints.
HostA campground host is usually on site May-September. One reviewer said, "Camp host was very knowledgeable and friendly."
Campground Map
Bureau of Land Management, Burns District Office, 28910 Hwy 20 W, Hines, OR 97738
Driving directionsFrom Burns, Oregon, take State Highway 78 southeast for approximately 2 miles, then turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen, Oregon. Just past Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain loop Road. Follow the Loop Road for approximately 3 miles before turning into Page Springs Campground to the right, just across the Donner und Blitzen River.
Access to the campground is via paved roads until the Steens Mountain Loop Road, which contains gravel. The road is well-maintained but may pose challenges such as sharp rocks (as warned in user reviews). Seasonal closures due to snow are possible at the higher elevations of the Steens Mountain Loop Road.Nearby places
Frenchglen (3 miles, ~10 minutes)
Burns (63 miles, ~1 hour 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Frenchglen offers limited supplies (~3 miles). Recommend checking Burns (~63 miles) for fuel, groceries, and camping essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.4
23 reviews
Trail Hansen Ridge Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the spacious sites, clean vault toilets, excellent wildlife viewing, and peaceful atmosphere. Mosquitoes are a common issue during summer months.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
Spacious and private campsites, clean restrooms, availability of drinking water, excellent wildlife viewing, and scenic hiking trails.
Based on 23 reviewsCommon Concerns
Mosquito infestations during warmer months, gravel roads leading to the campground, and issues with the self-pay system.
Based on 23 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of insect repellent, cash or check for payment (due to occasional issues with the payment kiosk), and consider visiting in spring or fall for reduced bugs and better weather.
Based on 23 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall is praised for beautiful colors and lower bug activity, while summer sees mosquito infestations. Winter accessibility can be affected by snow melt flooding.
Based on 23 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Dark sky at night great for star watching. Mostly peaceful," "Vault toilets are clean," "Bring the OFF w/DEET, lots of mosquitoes here," "We saw an owl in a tree with two owlets," "Amazing views,...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews commonly mention spacious and private campsites, often large enough for RVs. "Our neighbor is 150 feet away, awesome," notes one reviewer.
Based on 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, and some campsites have hard-packed gravel bases for easier mobility, though others may pose challenges.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions of pet-related experiences in reviews.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025